Dorothy Hale was an American actress who is best known for her roles in various stage productions and the film “The Rise of Catherine the Great.” Born as Dorothy Donovan, she had a brief but tumultuous career in the entertainment industry.
Personal and Family Life
Dorothy Hale was born Dorothy Anderson Donovan on January 11, 1905, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her father, James P. Donovan, was a successful real estate agent. Dorothy ran away from home as a teenager to pursue a career in acting, attending drama school and finding her first professional role in the 1924 Broadway musical “Lady Be Good.” She was married twice, first to millionaire stockbroker Gaillard Thomas, and later to painter Gardiner Hale, whom she lost in a tragic car accident in 1931.
Career Challenges
Despite initial promise, Dorothy’s acting career faced numerous challenges. After being cast in a prominent role by producer Samuel Goldwyn, she was replaced at the last minute, which marked the beginning of her professional decline. She attempted to revive her career through various projects, including a stage play written by her friend Claire Booth Luce, but these efforts were not successful, leading her to financial struggles and disappointment.
Death and Legacy
On October 21, 1938, Dorothy Hale tragically took her own life by jumping from her sixteenth-floor apartment in New York City, deeply affected by her recent romantic troubles and the loss of close friends. She was 33 years old at the time of her death. In remembrance, artist Frieda Kahlo created a painting titled “The Suicide Of Dorothy Hale,” which immortalized her in art and served as a poignant commentary on her tragic end.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Rise of Catherine the Great | 1934-02-09 | Countess Olga |